Zimbabwe Strike First In Tri-Series

Zimbabwe beat Bangladesh by 38 runs in the opening match of the One Day International tri-series that also includes Sri Lanka in Mirpur.

A half-century from all-rounder Elton Chigumbura and 39 from Stuart Matsikenyeri as both men passed 1500 runs in ODIs helped Zimbabwe post 205 for nine before Bangladesh were bowled out for 167 in 46.2 overs.

Bangladesh won the toss and chose to field and made early breakthroughs through Mashrafe Mortaza (2-41) and Shakib Al Hasan (3-23).

Matsikenyeri hit six fours in his 51-ball innings and after the middle order was obliterated by spinners Shakib and Naaem Islam (3-32), Chigumbura gave the innings some respectability with an innings of 64 from 95 balls, in which he hit five fours and a six before being run out by wicket-keeper Mushfiqur Rahim in the final over.

There was also a milestone for Tatenda Taibu, who reached 2000 runs in ODIs during his innings of 17 before he was caught by Mortaza off of Islam while Islam's figures represent his best effort in both ODI and List A cricket.

Zimbabwe then struck early with the ball with captain Prosper Utseya opening the bowling and having Zunaed Siddique (0) trapped in front. Rahim also fell for a duck as Bangladesh fell to 33 for four in the 12th over.

A half-century stand between Shakib Al Hasan (52) and Raqibul Hasan (23) raised hopes of a recovery but Zimbabwe maintained control of the fixture with wickets coming in clutches.

Off-spinners Utseya (2-22) and Ray Price (2-35) picked up the best figures with a wicket apiece for Ed Rainsford, Keith Dabengwa and Chigumbura as three Bangladeshis were run out.

Zimbabwe take on Sri Lanka on January 12th before Bangladesh also play Sri Lanka on January 14th with the final on January 16th.